Illinois Photo | Lake Michigan Destinations
Discover the Illinois Lakeshore
Chicago, Illinois is the primary travel destination in our Illinois Lakeshore region along Lake Michigan. It’s also the most populated city on Lake Michigan.
But there are many more outstanding Lake Michigan Destinations along the Illinois Lakeshore, including Zion, Evanston, Winnetka, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Waukegan, and Winthrop Harbor. Come, explore some of the lesser known communities which have unique offerings….and less traffic!
Visit These Illinois Lakeshore Destinations
Here are but a few of the towns which are delightful to discover along Lake Michigan in Illinois:
Zion, Illinois
Sitting on Illinois’ border with Wisconsin sits Zion. One of the only cities in the world to be fully planned before being built.
Lake Forest, Illinois
Lake Forest began as a town in 1857 and is a convenient destination for visitors travelling south to Chicago.
Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
Winthrop Harbor is located on the northern border of Illinois. It is a suburb of Chicago and houses the largest marina on the Great Lakes.
Waukegan, Illinois
North of Chicago, Waukegan is home to the Genessee Theatre, Great Lakes Naval Base, and mile long Waukegan Municipal Beach.
Highland Park, Illinois
With it’s downtown shopping district, three public beaches, and more, Highland Park gives visitors plenty of opportunities to explore.
Winnetka, Illinois
Winnetka is a beautiful place for many activities within its forest preserve land and twenty-seven parks surrounding Winnetka.
Evanston, Illinois
Evanston, just north of Chicago, is alive with diverse entertainment options, courtesy of the creative students at Northwestern University.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a bustling, popular city which brings any visitor plenty of sites to see, activities to do, and historical landmarks to explore.
Lake Michigan Travel Regions
Michigan
- Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
- Northern Michigan
- Northwest Michigan
- Central West Michigan
- Southwest Michigan
Wisconsin
Indiana & Illinois
Discover More Lake Michigan Destinations
Boyne City, Michigan
Boyne City is a jewel in the crown of Michigan and boasts an art district, street music in the summer, the Morel Festival, and more.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Saugatuck, Michigan has been regarded as the “Art Coast of Michigan” and has approximately two dozen galleries to visit.
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Bay is a charming historical community that embraces its world famous shipbuilding hub and honors their boat and water heritage.
Michigan City, Indiana
Surrounded by wandering dunes and singing sand, Michigan City welcomes you to Lake Michigan’s southern tip in grand style.
Zion, Illinois
Sitting on Illinois’ border with Wisconsin sits Zion. One of the only cities in the world to be fully planned before being built.
Manistique, Michigan
Manistique is a harbor town and was formerly known as a lumber transfer town as well as a popular commercial fishing port.